Does My Child Need Therapy?
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a type of mental health treatment that strategically utilizes play within a therapeutic relationship to work on goals and promote positive mental, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in children. Play Therapy provides the most effective basis for working with children because the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for higher executive function is not developed until adulthood. This means talking therapies are not developmentally appropriate for children and adolescents because attaching words to their internal states is not within their developmental repertoire yet. Play Therapy uses toys, games, art, sand, books, and music as a method of communication. Through play, the counselor supports the child to navigate their world and express their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Improved Regulation
Promotes Problem Solving and Creative Thinking
Develop Social and Relational Skills
Elevates Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem
Increased Responsibility and Accountability
Understand and Express Feeling/Emotions
Fosters Empathy and Respect for Self and Others
Decrease Stress
Who Needs Play Therapy?
Play therapy can help all children. However, it can be particularly helpful for a child that is going through a difficult time or demonstrating challenging behaviors. Play therapy is optimal for children dealing with:
Grief
Violence/Abuse
Divorce
Aggression
Relocation
Illness/Hospitalization
Natural Disaster
Anxiety/Excessive Worry
School Difficulties
Friendship Problems
ADHD
Low Self-Esteem
Child Therapy Process
Step 1: Intro Phone Call (15 Mins)
Brief discussion of your needs to determine if play therapy is a good fit for your child and family.
Step 2: Parent Consultation (Adults Only)
We will go over detailed background and discuss in detail the presenting problem. The therapist will create therapeutic goals for your child and will go over therapeutic process in relation to goals.
Step 3: Therapy Session with Child
The child will meet individually with the therapist for 45 minutes. Typical treatment is between 16-24 sessions.
Step 4: Parent Check-ins
In addition to working with your child, we will provide you with check-ins to provide you with insights about your child’s unique needs and practical tools to implement at home. The therapist will coordinate a check in schedule that works best for each family.
Step 5: Results
Begin to see growth and improvements in functioning.
If you or other adults in your child’s life are concerned about your child, please schedule an initial consultation to discuss. We are here to help in any way we can.
Fostering wellbeing in children
bWELL Counseling specializes in mental health and integrative wellness services for children and their families. We’re focused on helping children overcome emotional and behavioral challenges, while equipping their parents to confidently connect with and support them.